picking winners

I would say first character (that is usually what makes the cel collectible), then composition. Composition determines the ultimate desirability of the cel. The more emotional or significant the scene, the better the cel.

For me it was close between composition and knowledge of scene (cut). I ended up picking knowledge of scene.

I like to be able to ID a cel *before* I buy it, especially for cels that cost more than $20. (i've bought plenty of cheap cels just because it looked good..)

Having a cel from a memorable scene makes it just a little bit more special, to me, than just some plain shot.

I am also quite picky about how well the character is drawn. Sometimes an oddly drawn cel can make me look elsewhere.

I'll have to agree with spinizuey, this is how I pick out most of my cels.